Description
Refresh your meal with a vibrant Spinach and Strawberry Pasta Salad that combines fresh spinach, juicy strawberries, and tender pasta tossed in a light natural dressing and topped with creamy plant-based cheese. This colorful, healthy, and flavorful dish is perfect for warm days or anytime you want to brighten your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups ripe strawberries, sliced
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or bowtie), cooled
- ½ cup plant-based cheese (crumbled)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (lightly toasted)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing (natural)
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing (natural): Whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Combine Fresh Ingredients: Gently toss the fresh spinach, sliced strawberries, chopped toasted walnuts, and fresh basil in a large bowl, creating a lively mix of colors and textures.
- Add Pasta and Dressing: Fold the cooled pasta into the fresh ingredients, then drizzle the dressing over everything, tossing lightly but thoroughly to coat every bite.
- Finish with Plant-Based Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled plant-based cheese over the top, folding it in gently so its creamy texture blends in without losing its form.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe berries to add natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Do not overdress the salad to prevent sogginess.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Lightly toast walnuts to intensify flavor and add extra crunch.
- Choose pasta shapes that hold onto dressing and veggies well for the best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Serve salad cold or at room temperature. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spinach, strawberry, pasta salad, plant-based cheese, walnut, basil, natural dressing, healthy salad, gluten free
